Early Breakfast withRelebogile Mabotja

There are reports that hundreds of contractors have not been paid for the last seven months by the Department of Water and Sanitation.

The media report claims the department is sitting in R4.3 billion debt, with unpaid invoices amounting to R1.7 billion for this financial year and R1.1 billion the previous year.

According to EWN, the department has denied claims that it is bankrupt. City Press editor, Mondli Makhanya, says the department is "misrepresenting the facts... the 'alternative' facts".

When the Limpopo province was just R2billion in the red a few years ago, it was put under administration. People are saying the department should be placed in the same space - under administration.

— Mondli Makhanya, Editor of City Press

It is in a very deep hole. There is a lot of reckless spending. Proper procedures are not followed. We cannot do without water and sanitation. So if you want to play corrupt and unethical games, it is a department which is a goldmine. You can bypass normal procedures for emergency procedures and that it what appears to have happened.

— Mondli Makhanya, Editor of City Press

Sofiso Mkhize, CFO Department of Water and Sanitation, was due to speak on CapeTalk but cancelled the interview just before he was due to speak on air. City Press Editor, Mondli Makhanya, did tell the story to Kieno Kammies. Take a listen: